fbpx Amidah for Peace, Justice and Immigration | Reconstructing Judaism

Amidah for Peace, Justice and Immigration

Article

This alternative Amidah was used during mincha prayers by members of the Reconstructionist Rabbinic Association outside of an Immigration Processing Center in order to call attention to the plight of immigrants and underscore the importance of the Jewish obligation to welcome the stranger. It is meant to be done as a call and response.

Avot

God of our ancestors. God of immigrants. God of refugees. We are border crossers.
We tie our fate with You who cannot be contained by customs offices. You who requires no passport

Gevurot

You are the power that nurtures, You support the fallen, You free the captive, You give faith to those who sleep in the dust.

Kedusha

We call out to each other, We turn in every direction, Your holy image is the face of every human

Binah

Help us to act with understanding

Teshuva

Return us again and again to your service

Selicha

Forgive us for retreating to our own comfort, Forgive us for not taking responsibility, Forgive us for letting little fears Stop us from helping with compassion.

Ge’ulah

Release us from captivity, Release us from persecution, Release us from misfortune, Help us to heal when rational arguments are insufficient.

Refuah

Heal the suffering that causes people to flee their homes.

Birkat Hashanim

All Bountiful one let every person live with abundance.

Kibutz Galuyot

Blast the great shofar for freedom
Gather in all those in exile!

Din

Restore justice with love and compassion.

Birkat Haminim

Let all wickedness be lost.

Tzadikim

Protect all the righteous people
fleeing war and
fleeing poverty.
Be with those seeking safety
and seeking security.

Binyan Yerushalayim

Build everlasting peace in Jerusalem.

Yeshu’ah

Plant your help in every land.

Kabbalat Tefillah

Hear our voice!
Hear the voice of refugees
Hear the voice of immigrants
Help us hear your voice

Avodah

Take pleasure YHVH in our work.
Lovingly accept our prayer.

Hoda’ah

Modim anachnu lach
We give thanks to you

Birkat Shalom

Sing Oseh Shalom

Rabbi, Congregation B'nai Keshet

Related Resources

God in Metaphor: A Guide for the Perplexed

Rabbi Toba Spitzer explores the obstacles to prayer posed by stale language about God, and suggests new language that may ease our way in finding connection.

Article
News and Blogs

Living the Mission: Values-Based Decision-Making and Reconstructing Judaism

The story of Temple Emmanuel’s ongoing exploration of Reconstructionist liturgy, and the rich conversations the process has opened up.

News

Psalm 27

Meditative interpretation of Psalm 27.

Article

What Are You Asking For? A Meditation on Psalm 27

A guided meditation on Psalm 27

Article

Yom Kippur at Lincoln Memorial

Kavvanah written for Yom Kippur services at the Lincoln Memorial, 2015. 

Article

The Shofar and the Tears of Our Mothers

Kavvanah for shofar blowing on the High Holidays

Article

Shofar Kavannah for Refugees

This ritual invokes the blast of the shofar to articulate the plight of refugees. It was created for use at High Holidays in response to the presidential travel ban.

Article

psalm 79: pour out your love

Rabbi Brant Rosen’s poem responds to Psalm 79, challenging us to welcome the stranger even, and especially, in uncomfortable ways.

Article

Hashkiveinu, Prayer and Connection: A Lesson for Use With Siddur Kol Hano'ar

This lesson helps children and adults delve into the meaning and feeling of the Hashkiveinu prayer.

Document

Kol HaNeshamah Hebrew text in Davkawriter format

Hebrew text of the services found in the Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat Veḥagim prayer book.

Document

Liturgy and Prayer Leadership: Distance Learning Session

This distance learning conference call explores the dynamics of worship and the human impulse to pray, some of the deep structures of Jewish prayer services, and specifically Reconstructionist liturgy.

Spoken Audio

Yigdal: A Reconstructionist Examination

Yigdal, one of the most beloved of the medieval piyyutim (liturgical poems) summarizes the thirteen principles of the Jewish faith as formulated by Moses Maimonides (RaMBaM; late 12th century C.E.). Reconstructionists often proudly assert that when we pray with a Reconstructionist siddur, we feel that we can 'say what we mean and mean what we say,' because our liturgical language reflects Reconstructionist theology. How might a Reconstructionist interpret the words of Yigdal in this way?

Document

A  Passover Blessing for People of Many Backgrounds Who Journey with Us

This is a short Passover reading that expresses appreciation for people of backgrounds and identities other than Judaism. It would work well in a community seder, as well as home seders. 

Article

A Yizkor Prayer for Righteous Gentiles

A child of Holocaust survivors, Rani Jaegar composed a yizkor prayer for Righteous Gentiles that is unique and breaks new ground. It tells the story of those who saw suffering and knew how to find their humanity. It remembers that “righteousness is an everlasting foundation” that breaks boundaries.

Article

Making Seder and Kiddush More Inclusive

Wine is the traditional vehicle for prominent Jewish ritual moments. At the same, Jewish communities contain people who struggle with alcohol.  Rabbi Richard Hirsh outlines simple steps to recognize and support all in a community who wish to participate. 

Article